◙ verb 1. [with obj.] persuade (someone) to act in one's favour, typically illegally or dishonestly, by a gift of money or other inducement • 行贿，贿赂，买通某人做某事 »they attempted to bribe opponents into losing. 他们试图买通对手让其败下阵去。 »[with obj.andinfinitive] they had bribed an official to sell them a certificate. 他们买通了一位官员，向他买了一张证明。 ◙ noun 1. a sum of money or other inducement offered or given in this way • 贿赂，（买通某人所用的）钱财（或物品）
【派生】
♦ bribable adjective ♦ briber noun
【语源】
1. late Middle English : from Old French briber, brimber 'beg', of unknown origin. The original sense was 'rob, extort', hence (as a noun) 'theft, stolen goods', also 'money extorted or demanded for favours', later 'offer money as an inducement' (early 16th cent.)